Compression fractures of the spine are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, although they can also occur due to trauma or tumors of the spine. These fractures typically cause mild to severe back pain that may be debilitating. Preventing spinal fractures and the associated back pain can be done by strengthening the bones and the muscles that surround them. Undergoing osteoporosis treatments is also a good way to help prevent back pain and fractures.

• Eat a Balanced Diet

There are several vitamins and nutrients that are necessary for bone strength. As you age, your bones lose a lot of these key nutrients, making them weaker. The top nutrient necessary for healthy bones is calcium. If your diet isn’t naturally rich in calcium, you can take daily calcium supplements. Vitamin D is also important for bone strength. You can get vitamin D by eating green and leafy vegetables, spending time in the sun, and, if necessary, taking vitamin supplements. Talk to your Nevada spine doctor about whether you should be taking calcium or vitamin D supplements.

• Exercise Often

The muscles surrounding your spine play a vital role in keeping your vertebrae strong and healthy. Back exercises can help strengthen this area and reduce back pain. Your spinal doctor can recommend an exercise program to follow each day. If you need more help strengthening your back and fighting spinal compression fractures, you may benefit from physical therapy.

• Use Medications as Needed

There are several medications available that can help slow down or prevent osteoporosis. Since this condition is the leading cause of spinal compression fractures , these medications can also help with their prevention. When you see a Nevada spine doctor for back pain, talk about the various medications available and how they can help you prevent painful spinal fractures.

If you are at risk for spinal compression fractures, follow these tips to begin strengthening your spine and preventing back pain. For the latest in spinal diagnostics and treatment, come to the Spine Institute of Nevada . We offer our patients friendly, compassionate care paired with leading medical knowledge of spinal problems and injuries. Call (702) 239-3787 to schedule an appointment.

Many people take great enjoyment from sports, in part because sports are one excellent way to benefit from exercise. Sports do come with risks, however, and spinal injuries are among those risks. Spine complications can be major and life altering, so it is important to know which injuries are most likely to occur during sports related activities so that you can better protect yourself against them.

• Cervical Spinal Injuries and Sports

Cervical spinal injuries can be some of the most devastating. Your cervical spine is the upper portion of your spine. Injuries that occur here could lead to everything from numbness and loss of strength to total paralysis. Cervical spinal injuries are most common in contact sports such as football, but do also occur in other sports like skiing and bodybuilding.

The degree of a cervical spinal injury will, in large part, determine the outcome of recovery. Sprains and strains may have favorable outcomes while fractures and disc dislocations can be challenging to overcome.

• Lumbar Spinal Injuries and Sports

The lumbar spine is the lowermost portion of your spine. Injuries here usually are a result of excessive straining such as that of a bodybuilder attempting to lift large amounts of weight. Pivoting movements like that involved in kayaking can also put the lumbar spine at risk of injury. While lumbar injuries are not as common as cervical injuries in sports, they do still occur frequently.

• Thoracic Spinal Injuries and Sports

Thoracic spinal injuries, or those that occur to the middle portion of the spine, are not very common in sports but they can happen. Contact sports can cause fractures of the thoracic spine and dislocations of its discs. The ribcage makes the thoracic spine more stable, but do not assume this stability makes it invincible. Always take care to protect all portions of your back at all times, especially when engaging in sports activities.

If you are experiencing back pain or have a sports injury that is troubling you, then contact us here at the Spine Institute of Nevada . We’ll be happy to take a look at what’s going on and get you on the road to feeling better. Call us today at (702) 239-3787 .

Millions of Americans experience back and neck pain on a regular basis. When this pain occurs frequently, it is called chronic pain and may need to be treated by a Nevada spine doctor. Luckily, with cutting-edge techniques, modern surgical procedures for the spine, such as cervical discectomy and fusion, are associated with minimal impact and short recovery times.

• The Basics –

  The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure is performed to remove herniated cervical discs that are pressing on the spinal column and causing pain or other symptoms. After the disc is removed, the surgeon typically fuses the surrounding vertebrae together to add necessary stability.

• The Procedure –

  To begin the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in the front of the neck. This anterior approach is preferable to going in through the back of the neck because less tissue is in the way and the pathway is easier to navigate. Only one thin muscle is cut to complete an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

• The Recovery –

  Since this is a relatively simple outpatient procedure, you will be able to go home soon after it is completed. Entering through the front of the neck allows for a shorter recovery time, lower pain levels, and fewer complications. After an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure , it may be more difficult than usual to swallow for up to five days. You may be prescribed pain medication after the surgery for neck pain. In addition, you will need to be aware of the potential complications to ensure a safe recovery.

If you are suffering from neck pain due to a herniated disc in the spine, you should talk to a Nevada spine surgeon about the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure. At the Spine Institute of Nevada , we use the most advanced surgical procedures to relieve patient’s neck and back pain. Find out how Dr. Perry and our entire staff can help you by calling (702) 239-3787.

When you experience chronic back pain, you may not consider spinal surgery as an option. However, with cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures, spine surgery can be a possibility for many patients experiencing discomfort.

Watch this video to learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery. The video discusses the symptoms that patients who are eligible for surgery may experience, what to expect during an evaluation, and why these procedures are effective.

If you endure regular back pain, you may be a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. At the Spine Institute of Nevada, expert surgeon Dr. Perry has the understanding and experience to help you relieve your back or neck pain . Call (702) 239-3787 to schedule an appointment today.